OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR
DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SERVED
M F Fairhead
2nd July 2010
OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR
PREFACE
This Dossier was prepared by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) MF (Fred) Fairhead (School House 1955-59)
in 2009/2010. It was compiled by initially examining a list published in a 1946 edition of ’The Swan’ of
some 550 Old Boys who had served in the Second World War with the Korean War Nominal Roll held
by the Department for Veteran’s Affair (DVA). This exercise was then substantially broadened by
examining those Old Boys whose date of birth in the School Student Register lay between 1920 and
1935, some 1250, with the DVA Nominal Roll. The twentyone listed on page 11 were identified by this
process however, it is probable there were others who also served but are yet to be identified. A
summary of the service details of those who served is shown at pages 12 to 15.
The notes on the background and Australian involvement in the War (pages 3-10) are a modified
version of an article Fred wrote as the introduction to a photographic essay on the War published by
The Royal Australian Regiment Association (SA Branch) in 2008. The book – “Korea – The Undeclared
War” was complied by Stephen Lewis a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam and who
previously compiled “My Vietnam – Photographs of Australian Veterans of the Vietnam Conflict” in
2002.
The original Dossier was presented to the School Archives on 2 nd July 2010 ie, the 60th Anniversary of
Australia’s initial involvement in the war by HMA Ships Shoalhaven and Bataan and 77 Fighter
Squadron RAAF. Subsequent editions were provided after further information came to light on D L
Carew-Reid and J R Williams.
Rosemary Waller
School Archivist
2nd July 2010
(MkIII)
3
The Korean War
25 June 1950 – 27th July 1953
th
4
Background
In 1910, Japan annexed Korea which then became an integral part of the Japanese Empire. In 1945, at
the close of World War II, forces from the United States and the Soviet Union occupied the Korean
Peninsula with the 38th Parallel as the demarcation between the occupied zones. United States forces
occupied the south whilst the northern part became isolated under a communist regime, fostered by the
Soviet Union and led by Kim Il Sung. Relations between North and South deteriorated and on the 25th
June 1950, a North Korean Army invaded South Korea and pushed with little resistance towards the
capitol, Seoul. The United Nations, established on 26th June 1945, quickly accepted responsibility for the
defence of South Korea and the UN Security Council resolved on 27th June 1950 to provide assistance to
repel the aggressor; the United States was given overall authority to command the necessary forces.
United Nations Response
On 1st July 1950, elements of the US 8th Army based in Japan were airlifted to Pusan on the south east
coast of South Korea , some 200 km across the Sea of Japan. Australia was the first non US nation to
commit forces when on 2nd July, 77 Squadron RAAF operating P-51 Mustangs from Iwakuni near
Hiroshima in Japan provided air cover to US 5th Air Force B-26 bombing missions. At the same time, the
RAN was also committed to with the destroyer HMAS Bataan and the frigate HMAS Shoalhaven being
placed at the disposal of the UN Commander, General Douglas MacArthur. The ships joined the British Far
East Fleet which happened to be in Japanese waters at the time.
Nature of the Conflict
Because of terrain, weather conditions and an enemy that was predominantly Army, the conflict in
Korea was primarily a land war. Its intensity, especially in 1950 and 1951, was on a scale similar to that of
World War II battles for Europe. Further, the static land operations in 1952 and 1953 have been compared
to the trench warfare on the Western Front in World War I especially in the fortifications that were
established along the frontline, the intense patrolling and the ferocious exchange of artillery and mortar
fire. Nevertheless, both the RAN and RAAF made significant contributions to the conduct of the war,
especially the latter in protecting ground forces from enemy air attack and providing them with close air
support. Both services had a major role in the interdiction and destruction of enemy logistics
infrastructure.
Royal Australian Navy
From 1st July 1950 until the cessation of hostilities on 27th July 1953, RAN ships played a major role in
support of UN land operations, predominantly by destroyers and frigates conducting blockade, escort
and bombardment operations on both sides of the Korean Peninsula. The first ships committed were the
frigate HMAS Shoalhaven based at Kure, Japan, and the Destroyer HMAS Bataan, based at Hong Kong
(see SD Green).
5
HMAS Bataan in Korean Waters in 1951.She was a ‘Tribal
Class’ Destroyer of 2,500 tons, had a speed of 36 knots and
was armed with 6 x 4.7 inch guns. She was commissioned
in May 1945 and decommissioned in 1954.
These ships were joined a few weeks later by HMAS Warramunga (see G V Gladstone)
HMAS Warramunga during WWII in New
Guinea waters circa 1944. A sister ship to
Bataan, she was commissioned in November
1942 and decommissioned in December 1959.
In late 1951, three more RAN warships arrived in Korean waters. They were the aircraft carrier HMAS
Sydney (see PR Cotton) and the Battle Class Destroyers HMAS Anzac (see KW Clark) and HMAS Tobruk.
HMAS Sydney had two squadrons of Sea Fury Fighter Bomber aircraft, 805 and 808 Squadrons (see GJ
Gratwick) and one squadron of Firefly Fighter aircraft (817squadron) embarked. Despite the adverse
weather conditions the ship’s aircraft flew about 2500 sorties; the Sea Furies attacked troop
concentrations with rocket projectiles and as spotters for naval gunfire, eg the battleship USS New Jersey;
whilst the Fireflies flew bombing missions against enemy artillery positions and railway tunnels. The Air
Wing had 90 aircraft damaged by enemy ground fire, lost 3 pilots with 7 others shot down but who were
rescued.
6
HMAS Sydney (1948-1973) – a Majestic Class Light
Fleet Aircraft Carrier of 20,000 tons, a speed of about
25 knots and with up to 38 aircraft embarked. She
was originally built for the Royal Navy as HMS
Terrible, was sold to Australian in 1947 and
commissioned as HMAS Sydney in December 1948.
She was decommissioned in May 1958 and recommissioned as a Fast Troop Transport in March
1962 and finally decommissioned in November 1973.
Sea Fury Fighter Bomber
HMAS Anzac in the Sea of Japan circa 1951.
She was a Battle Class Destroyer of 3,450
tons, had a speed of 30knots and was
armed with four 4.5 inch guns. She was
commissioned in March 1951 and
decommissioned in October 1974.
Firefly Carrier-borne Fighter
7
Royal Australian Air Force
Whereas air power played a major role in the war it is debatable whether it was decisive. Essentially
this was because of terrain, weather, the nature of the enemy as predominantly Army and importantly,
the embargo on flying missions against enemy logistic bases across the Yalu River in Manchuria.
Nevertheless, gaining ‘air superiority’ over the Korean Peninsula gave protection for ground forces against
enemy air attack. In addition, close air support to ground forces had a significant influence on the
outcomes of some campaigns; in particular, harassment of the advancing enemy forces by ground attack
aircraft (P51 Mustangs) in the crucial period of July to September 1950, enabled the embattled UN forces
to retain a foothold in the south east of the peninsula around the port of Pusan.
The RAAF’s contribution to the war was based on 77 (Fighter) Squadron which had deployed to New
Guinea in 1943 and to Japan after World War II (see JW Hubble, BC Newman and CJ Sugden). In Korea the
Squadron initially flew propeller driven P-51D Mustangs but with the advent of Soviet built MiG -15 jet
aircraft, it was re-equipped with twin engine Meteor jet fighters which became operational in June 1951.
After a series of scraps with the swept swing MiG-15s it was clear that the Meteor was inferior in most
respects and in late 1951, 77 Squadron reverted to a ground attack role and continued in that role for the
remainder of the war. The RAAF also provided C-47 Dakota transport aircraft in 30 Transport Unit (later
renamed 36 Transport Squadron) which did most of the aerial resupply and medical evacuation to Japan
for the British Commonwealth forces. 28 aircrew were lost in action and a further 6 taken as prisoners of
war.
A 77 Squadron P-51D Mustang
Fighter Bomber.
Gloster Meteor Fighter Bomber
8
Royal Australian Regiment
In July 1950, the Australian Army could muster only about two battalions’ worth of infantry, spread
across three nominal units ie, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR).
Recruiting trends were bad, reflecting the poor conditions of service offered by both the Chifley and
Menzies governments coupled with a post WWII population that was weary of war. The prospect of
action however, brought forth about 1,000 World War II veterans who volunteered to join, ‘K Force’
which had more attractive employment conditions. This enabled first one battalion, 3RAR, to serve
effectively in Korea from September 1950 and then two battalions which served together from April 1952
when 1RAR deployed to Korea via Japan (see J L Seaton).
The Army also took the opportunity to post many recently graduated officers from the Royal Military
College, Duntroon to infantry battalions in Korea. The combat experience these young men were to
receive would hold the Army in good stead for future operational commitments, for example the
Vietnam War. Indeed, all of the 17 Officers who commanded Battalions in Vietnam had served in Korea
as Lieutenants or Captains, 14 with 3RAR, 2 with 1RAR and 1 with 2RAR (and some in more than one).
In a sense therefore, the Korean War provided the mould for the new post-World War II Australian
Regular Army, especially its combat spine – the Royal Australian Regiment which had only been raised in
1948; the capability provided by battle experienced battalions of the Regiment allowed Australian
participation in the Malayan Emergency shortly after the Korean War with 2RAR and in due course, with
other battalions in Borneo and Vietnam.
A Bren Gun Carrier of 3RAR in the advance
through North Korea in October 1950.
A Vickers .303in Medium Machine Gun of
the 3RAR Machine Gun Section in action at
Pakchon in October 1950.
9
The Korean War was fought in the most difficult of terrain, appalling weather conditions and
inevitably, against a tenacious and numerically superior enemy. It is testament to the men of the Royal
Australian Regiment in particular that not only did they boldly confront the challenge, but on most
occasions won the day; these men, especially from 3RAR in 1950-53(see DL Carew-Reid, JM Church, DF
Drake-Brockman and NE Wiltshire), were as resolute, brave and daring as any warrior has been in the
history of warfare. Many of the soldiers were battle-hardened veterans of WWII whose close quarter
combat skills were outstanding. Legend has it that the riflemen’s’ musketry skills with the bolt action
.303 Lee Enfield rifle were so good that observers thought they were using automatic weapons.
A 3RAR Bren Gun (LMG) team on
Hill 614 in February 1951. The man
on the left is equipped with the
.303in Bren Light Machine Gun and
the soldier on the right with a .303
Lee Enfield Rifle.
The Australian battalions fought in many major actions including some which became Regimental
Battle Honours, eg: (refer to the map on page 3)
 Yongyu (The Apple Orchard), Pakchon and Chongju all in October 1950 in North Korea involving
3RAR.
 Kapyong, 23-25 April 1951 – 3RAR as part of the British 27 Brigade’s heroic defence against a
Chinese Army Division during the Chinese Spring Offensive.
 Maryang San (Hill 317), 3-8 October1951 – 3RAR and other British battalions in 28th
Commonwealth Brigade’s attack on heavily defended Chinese positions across the Imjin River.
 The Hook 24-26 July 1953 – 2RAR. On the eve of the cease fire ( 10pm 27th July), the Chinese
attacked in great strength in the area known as The Hook against 2RAR and the 7 th US Marine
Corps Regiment. Enemy casualties were severe, estimated at over 15,000 dead and wounded,
mainly from the 1st Commonwealth Division’s artillery which fired in excess of 20,000 rounds.
Members of a 2RAR ambush
patrol carrying WWII 9mm Owen
Sub Machine Guns.
10
Maintaining the Peace
Although the ‘shooting war’ finished on 27th July 1953, the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment
were to remain in Korea on Operational Service until April 1956 to ensure the peace was maintained.
2RAR remained until April 1954 when it was relieved by 1RAR. After four years in Korea, 3RAR finally
returned to Australia in November 1954 whilst 1RAR was the last battalion to leave in April 1956 (see
BS Hicks and JR Williams). The war had cost the Regiment nearly 300 killed, 1200 wounded and 23
taken as prisoners of war.
The British Commonwealth
Amongst the 20 plus nations which committed forces to the UN cause there were a number of British
Commonwealth nations whose forces were commanded initially by the post World War II,
Headquarters British Commonwealth Occupying Force (BCOF) located in Kure, Japan. In 1950 this
Headquarters was replaced by Headquarters British Commonwealth Forces Korea (HQ BCFK) located
in Kure but with a forward element located in Seoul as part of the Headquarters of the 8th US Army.
July 1951 the Commonwealth land forces in Korea were joined to become the 1st
Commonwealth Division, a unique and a very efficient combat formation. The Division comprised three
Infantry Brigades: 25th Canadian, 28th British Commonwealth and 29th British (each with three Infantry
Battalions); a reinforced regiment of main battle tanks, three field regiments of artillery (Canadian, New
Zealand and British) and field engineers (see MV Quealy), communications (see RB Hart), supply and
transport and medical units. In the latter there was an Indian Army Medical Field Ambulance which
supported 28th Brigade to which the Australian Battalions were allotted.
In
Summary
The Korean War is often referred to as the ‘forgotten war’; nevertheless it had a profound influence
on the role the Australian Army would have in the years following its conclusion. The war and its
outcomes also ensured Australia’s strategic outlook remained focused on South East Asia and that
relations with other participating Commonwealth nations were reinforced. Importantly, it also provided
a catalyst for establishing a stronger alliance with the United States, eg the ANZUS Treaty. In a sense
therefore the Korean War was a defining moment in Australia’s post-World War II history.
Fred Fairhead
Erindale, South Australia
2nd July 2010 (MkIII)
11
LIST
Royal Australian Navy

Robinson B E

Clark K W

Seaton J L,MID

Cotton P R

Twort R A

Gladstone G V, DSC

Van Ooran J D

Gratwick G J

Wiltshire N E

Green S D

Williams J R (Blakeley-Williams)

Young R G
(5)
(13)
Australian Army
Royal Australian Air Force

Carew-Reid D L

Church J M

Hubble J W, DSO

Drake-Brockman DF

Newman B C

Hart R B

Sugden C J, DFC

Hicks B S

Quealy M V
(3)
12
OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR
SERVICE DETAILS
NAME
HOUSE
CAREW-REID David
Lloyd
Born: Perth WA on 22
November 1921
KOREAN WAR SERVICE
UNIT(S)
SERVICE NUMBER
RANK AND
CORPS/BRANCH
APPOINTMENT
STIRLING/
SCHOOL
1933-1939
3RAR
(April-June51)
5400078
Lieutenant
RA Infantry
Platoon
Commander in C
Company
Also served in WWII as a
Lieutenant. He was
injured and evacuated
to Hospital in May 1951
and then repatriated to
Australia.
PREP/HENN’S
/STIRLING
1940-1942
3RAR
(Dec 1950–Mar 51)
57005
Lieutenant
RA Infantry
Platoon
Commander in A
Company
Regular Army Officer
who graduated from
RMC
Duntroon
in
December 1948. He was
Wounded in Action and
evacuated to Hospital
and then repatriated to
Australia. He also served
in
Vietnam
as
a
Lieutenant Colonel.
HENN’S
1944-1947
HMAS ANZAC
(Sep 1952-Jun 53)
R45127
Electrical
Mechanic 2nd Class
Electrician
SCHOOL
1929-1934
HMAS SYDNEY
A22507
Chief Airman
Naval Airman
Naval Airman
STIRLING
1934-1940
3RAR
53203
Private
RA Service Corps
Driver/Butcher?
STIRLING
1930-1934
HMAS
WARRAMUNGA
O425
Lieutenant
Commander
Seaman
Executive Officer
nd
CHURCH John Murray
Born: Perth, WA on 11
May 1928
th
CLARK Kevin Wilson
Born: Subiaco, WA on
th
15 January 1932
COTTON Philip Rodney
(Aug 1951-Feb 52)
Born: Chester, UK on
st
21 March 1920
DRAKE-BROCKMAN
David Francis
REMARKS
(May –Dec 1951)
Born: Guildford, WA on
th
8 February 1925
GLADSTONE Geoffrey
Vernon
(Aug 1950-Aug 51)
Born: Wagin, WA on 27
January 1921
th
Awarded a Bar to his
Distinguished
Service
Cross (DSC) awarded in
WWII. Retired from the
Navy in 1981 with the
rank of Rear Admiral.
13
NAME
HOUSE
GRATWICK Geoffrey
John
STIRLING
1942
KOREAN WAR SERVICE
UNIT(S)
SERVICE NUMBER
RANK AND
CORPS/BRANCH
APPOINTMENT
850 Squadron
(HMAS Sydney)
O454
Sub Lieutenant
Air
Pilot
(Oct 1953-Jun 54)
Born: Perth WA on 14
May 1929
th
GREEN Stanley Donald
Born: Perth WA on 29
January 1928
th
HART Robert Barry Ian
Born: Perth, WA on 13
August 1933
th
HICKS Brian Stephen
Born: Collie WA on 26
October 1932
th
HUBBLE John Wilkins
HMAS Bataan
(Jan –Sep 1952)
R29633
Telegraphist
Telegraphist
PREP SCHOOL
1944-1945
Australian
Ancillary Unit
(Jun-Aug 1955)
52414
2nd Lieutenant
RA Signals
Britcom Base
Signals Regiment
Regular Army Officer
who graduated from
OCS Portsea in Dec
1952.
HENN’S
1946
1RAR
52612
Corporal
RA Infantry
Section
Commander
Machine Gun
Section
Also served in Vietnam
with 7RAR as a Captain.
HENN’S
1936-1941
77 Fighter
Squadron RAAF
O5833
Wing Commander
Pilot
Commanding
Officer
Regular
Air
Force
Officer. Awarded a
Distinguished
Service
Order
(DSO).
Also
served in WWII and in
Vietnam as a Group
Captain.
A32856
Leading
Aircraftman
Electrical Fitter
Electrical Fitter
(Jan 1955-Mar 56)
(Nov 1952-Jun 53)
STIRLING
1946-1947
77 Fighter
Squadron RAAF
(Nov 1953-Apr 54)
Born: Subiaco, WA on
nd
2 April 1933
HMAS Sydney’s second
tour to Korean Waters
was after the cease-fire
had come into effect in
July 1953.
HENN’S
1944 – 1945
Born: Mt Lawley, WA on
th
20 November 1923
NEWMAN Brian
Carmichael
REMARKS
14
NAME
HOUSE
QUEALY Matthew
Vernon
Born: Perth WA on 18
March 1929
SERVICE NUMBER
RANK AND
CORPS/BRANCH
APPOINTMENT
ST GEORGE’S
1941
British
Commonwealth
Engineer
Regiment
(Jan-Mar 1956)
57007
Captain
RA Engineers
Regimental
Adjutant
Regular Army Officer
who graduated from
RMC
Duntroon
in
December 1950. He also
served in Vietnam as a
Major/Lieutenant
Colonel.
PREP SCHOOL
1941-1943
3RAR
(Jun–Oct 1954)
57032
Lieutenant
RA Infantry
Platoon
Commander
B Company
Regular Army Officer
who graduated from
RMC
Duntroon
in
December 1953.
Born: Kuala Lumpur,
th
Malaya on 26 August
1930
SEATON John Lester
1RAR
SCHOOL
1941
1RAR
(Apr-Nov 1952)
63760
Lieutenant
RA Infantry
Platoon
Commander
B Company
SCHOOL
1936-1937
77 Fighter
Squadron RAAF
O5813
Squadron Leader
Pilot
Officer
Commanding
(Oct 1952-May 53)
Born: York, WA on 3
April 1922
rd
Platoon
Commander
C Company
(Oct 1954- Jun 55)
Born: Kuala Lumpur
th
Malaya on 30 August
1926
SUGDEN Christopher
John
REMARKS
UNIT(S)
th
ROBINSON Barrie
Estcourt
KOREAN WAR SERVICE
Had served previously in
the British Army and
was appointed as a
Lieutenant
in
the
Australian
Army
in
1951.He was Killed In
Action on the night of
th
12 November 1952 by
an enemy grenade when
leading
a
Fighting
Patrol. He was awarded
a Posthumous MentionIn-Dispatches (MID).
Regular Air Force Officer
who was awarded a
Distinguished
Flying
Cross (DFC). Also served
in WWII and Vietnam
15
NAME
HOUSE
TWORT Roy Albert
KOREAN WAR SERVICE
UNIT(S)
SERVICE NUMBER
RANK AND
CORPS/BRANCH
APPOINTMENT
STIRLING
1944-1945
3RAR
52161
Private
Australian Army
Catering Corps
Company Cook
Prep School
1943
3RAR
51184
Private
RA Engineers
Assault Pioneer
Platoon
Regular Soldier who also
served in Vietnam as a
Sergeant.
52558
Private
RA Infantry
Not Known
At School he was known
as J R Blakeley-Williams
51048
Corporal
RA Infantry
Not Known
(Jun 1953-Jun54)
Born: Subiaco, WA on
th
7 September 1931
VAN OORAN John
Desmond
Born: Perth, WA on 20
November 1930
REMARKS
(Jul-Oct 54)
th
1RAR
(Oct 54-May 55)
WILLIAMS John Robin
ST GEORGE’S
1948-1950
1RAR
HENN’S
1944-1946
3RAR
(Jan 1954-Mar 55)
Born: Angaston, SA on
th
14 May 1933
WILTSHIRE Noel Eustace
Born: Perth, WA on 24
December 1930
th
(Mar 1952-Mar 53)
1RAR
(Mar1953)
Not Known
YOUNG Rowan George
Born: Wagin, WA on 9
November 1928
th
STIRLING
1939-1941
Australian
Ancillary Unit
(Oct-Nov 1954)
51741
Private
RA Engineers
Not Known